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FIRST AID

The aims of first aid are to save life, limit injury, ease pain and anxiety, and summon the most appropriate help available. All first-aid methods, whether they are associated with conventionalmedicine or complementary therapies, are based on a common-sense approach to dealing with a serious accident or a minor scrape. Homeopathic remedies can help to relieve pain, to allayanxiety and fear, and to facilitate healing. They can be used in conjunction with any other medication.

The most important things to do in an emergency are to keep a clear head and not to panic, to determine what the priorities are, and to act decisively and promptly. Ideally, at least one person in every household should be trained in first-aid procedures. Only once the priorities listed below have been identified should homeopathic remedies be given.

Assessing serious conditionsMake sure that you, the victim, and your surroundings are safe. Very gently shake the victim by both shoulders—without moving the neck in case of head or neck injuries—and ask a question or give a command.If there is no response, proceed airway, breathing, and circulation.

UnconsciousnessIf a victim is unconscious, and you have already checked their airway, breathing, and circulation and you do not suspect serious head or spinal injuries, carefully maneuver them into a safe position and call the emergency services. Do not leave an unconscious person unattended. Check their airway, breathing, and pulse every five minutes. Make sure that they are kept warm, but that they do not become overheated.

BleedingCheck any open wounds to see if there is bleeding. If there is, apply a sterile pad and, if possible, a bandage. If there is a profuse flow of blood from the wound, call the emergency services. Place a sterile pad over the wound and apply firm pressure to the area until the bleeding stops or medical help arrives.

BurnsCool all small burns in cold water for up to 10 minutes, then cover with plastic wrap or a burn dressing. If neither is available, use a non-fluffy, clean dressing. If burns extend over an area larger than the palm of a hand, call the emergency services and carefully cover the affected parts with plastic wrap. Do not attempt to remove any pieces of clothing that may have adhered to burned skin. Do not burst blisters or apply lotion, cream, or gel to the wounds. If the victim is conscious, administer sips of water to minimize fluid loss.

FracturesEvidence of a fracture includes pain, an inability to move the affected part, visible deformity, swelling, bruising, and shock. Try to immobilize the affected part to prevent further damage and blood loss. Bandage an arm against the chest or one leg to the other, for example. Pad out the bandages above and below the fracture so that clothes and blankets do not exert pressure on it. If the fracture is open, apply padding to each side of the bone, then cover the whole area with asterile dressing. Apply pressure to the padding to help slow the bleeding. Call the emergency services or take the victim to hospital if the injury affects the upper limb.

ChokingThe airway may be obstructed by food, the tongue, vomit, or a foreign object, causing coughing, crying, and breathing difficulties. Check the mouth and remove any obviousobstruction. Encourage the victim to cough. If the victim cannot cough, breathe, or speak, stand behind him and wrap your arms around his waist, under his breastbone. Make a fist with one hand and hold it in your other hand, Pull sharply upward and inward five times. Repeat the slaps and pulls three times. If the victim stops breathing, be prepared to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Electric shockIf someone has suffered an electric shock, turn off the circuit breaker or use a broom handle or dry clothing to separate the victim from the power source. Keep them away from water, which conducts electricity. Start basic life support . Look for any wounds. Lay a conscious person on their back, raise the legs slightly, and tilt the head to one side with the chin up. Place an unconscious victim in a safe position, and cover them.

MINOR EYE & EAR INJURIESArnica 6c every 2 hours up to 4 dosesLedum 6c every 2 hours up to 10 dosesEuphrasia 6c every 2 hours up to 3 dosesHypericum 30c half-hourly up to 10 dosesArnica 30c every 4 hours up to 6 doses

TRAVEL SICKNESSThis ailment occurs when the balance mechanism in the inner ear is upset by motion, especially while reading or focusing on stationary objects. Travel sickness is most common among children.Avoid eating greasy foods and overeating before traveling. To prevent travel sickness, begin taking the appropriate remedy one hour before star ting a journey. If there is vomiting, sip water frequently to avoid dehydration. If possible, increase ventilation in the vehicle in which you are traveling.CAUTION People with insulin-dependent diabetes should be observed for hypoglycemia given glucose or a sugary drink if necessary.

Tabacum 6c every 15 minutes up to 10 dosesCocculus 6c every 15 minutes up to 10 dosesNux vomica 6c every 15 minutes up to 10 doses